Aclare 8k results

Thursday May 9, Aclare 8k: Local showers cleared and Aclare settled into a serene blue sky evening, ideal conditions for the annual 8k.

77 runners and walkers gathered at Kilmactigue Community Centre to support this annual fundraiser in aid of Gallagher House, Tubbercurry.

There was a good number of runners from all the local athletics clubs – well done to members who supported this very worthy cause.

The 8k is a one lap course with a good testing section between 2-5k.

Tadgh McGinty (Swinford AC) was the winner in 29:30, with Brendan Hession (Mayo AC) second in 29:47, having his first run on this course. Bill Carty (Sligo AC) was third in 30:45 and Frank Reape (Ballina AC) next home 31:52.

The women’s race was dominated by top masters athletes with Mari Johnston (Sligo AC) first home in 32:47, and our world medallist Pauline Moran (Mayo AC) second in 33:45 – sporting the latest ‘fast’ shoes. Last year’s winner Patricia McKeon (Swinford AC) was third in 34:58, followed by a great run by Paula Donnellan (Mayo AC) fourth in a new pb 35:23.

Well done to the organising team: Mayo AC’s Padraic McVann, plus Phil Davitt, Mary Jones and Martina Kennedy, who had excellent support from the local community and sponsors. They provided ample post race nourishment afterwards at the prize presentations.